Key Takeaways
Immediate Actions: Shut off the main water supply, open faucets to drain pipes, turn off electricity if necessary, contain the water, and contact a plumber.
When to Call the Professionals:Before unplugging appliances, for electrical safety, and to ensure proper damage management.
Emergency Services Offered by ServiceMaster: 24/7 emergency water extraction, air scrubbers, high-velocity air movers, dehumidifiers, and more.
Preventive Measures: Regular plumbing inspections, pipe insulation, warm air circulation around pipes, sealing cracks, keeping faucets dripping, and installing leak detection systems.
Filing an Insurance Claim: Understand coverage details, prevent further damage, document the damage, contact your insurance provider, consider professional cleanup, and regularly review your policy.
A burst pipe in your home can cause significant water damage and lead to costly repairs if not handled promptly. Here’s a quick guide on what immediate actions to take, when to call a professional such as ServiceMaster of Camden-Charlton, preventive measures to avoid future incidents, and how to handle insurance claims.
Immediate Actions If a Pipe Bursts in Your Home
Taking swift action can prevent extensive water damage. Here's what you should do as soon as you discover a burst pipe:
Shut Off the Main Water Supply
Locate and turn off the main water valve to stop the flow of water and minimize damage. This is typically in your garage or mud room. If you are not aware of where your main water supply shut off valve is, it is important to find it and be aware of where it is.
Open All Faucets
Open all faucets in your home to drain the remaining water from the pipes and reduce pressure.
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Turn Off Electricity
If water is in contact with any electrical outlets or appliances, turn off your home's electricity to prevent electrical hazards.
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Begin Getting Rid of the Water
Use towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum to contain and remove as much water as possible to prevent further damage to your belongings and property. You can begin cleanup yourself, but to help mitigate damage to walls, floors and ceilings, Consumer Reports recommends contacting a water-removal company that's certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). At ServiceMaster of Camden-Charlton, we are proud to not only be an IICRC Certified Firm, but maintain our Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) Certification as well. So you can be rest assured that you are in safe hands with us!
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Contact a Professional
Reach out to a professional plumber, such as our friends at Cumberland Plumbing, immediately to repair the burst pipe and assess any additional damage. Depending on the severity of your water damage, ServiceMaster of Camden-Charlton is available 24/7 365 days a year for emergency water extraction.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
It's crucial to get professional help to ensure your home is safe and the damage is properly managed. Here’s when to call:
Before Unplugging Appliances:
Contact a plumber like Cumberland Plumbing or a water-removal professional such as ServiceMaster of Camden-Charlton to handle the situation safely.
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For Electrical Safety:
They can help turn off electrical breakers if needed and ensure all safety measures are followed.
Emergency Services by ServiceMaster
ServiceMaster of Camden-Charlton provides round-the-clock emergency water extraction services. We use powerful suction wands to swiftly remove water and specialized drying equipment to ensure your home is completely dry to prevent mold and mildew.
Services include:
24/7 emergency service
Detailed estimates
Truck-mounted and portable extraction units
Air scrubbers
Content manipulation and pack-out
Carpet, wall, and ceiling drying or removal
High-velocity air movers and dehumidifiers
Preventive Measures to Avoid Burst Pipes
Preventing burst pipes is essential for maintaining your home's plumbing system. Here’s what you can do:
Regular Inspections:
Regularly check and maintain your plumbing system, especially during colder months.
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Proper Insulation:
Insulate pipes in unheated areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
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Allow Warm Air Circulation:
Keep cabinet doors under sinks open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
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Seal Cracks and Holes:
Seal any cracks or holes in walls, floors, or the foundation that could expose pipes to freezing temperatures.
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Keep Faucets Dripping:
During extreme cold, allow faucets to drip to keep water moving in the pipes and prevent freezing.
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Install Leak Detection Systems:
Consider installing a leak detection system to alert you to leaks before they cause significant damage.
Filing an Insurance Claim for a Burst Pipe
Burst pipes are typically covered under standard home insurance policies. Here’s what you need to know:
Coverage Details:
Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes. However, coverage may vary based on the cause.
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Prevent Further Damage:
Homeowners are responsible for preventing further damage by shutting off water and making temporary repairs.
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Document the Damage:
Take photographs and keep records of any temporary repairs made for the claims process.
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Contact Your Insurance Provider:
Reach out to your provider as soon as possible to start the claims process. Provide details about the cause, extent of damage, and temporary repairs made. We recommend our good friend Kishan at Treehouse Insurance.
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Professional Cleanup:
Depending on the damage, your provider may recommend professional cleanup and restoration services, which may be covered by your policy.
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Review Your Policy:
Regularly review your insurance policy to understand coverage details and make necessary adjustments.
By taking immediate action and following preventive measures, you can manage a burst pipe effectively and minimize damage. For professional help, don't hesitate to contact us at ServiceMaster of Camden-Charlton, and ensure your insurance policy is up to date for added peace of mind.
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